Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade over the years

Here's a look back at moments from the iconic parade, known for its giant balloons.

By Merrisa Brown, mySA.com

Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images

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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was started in 1924 as a Christmas parade by employees of the department store. Since then, it's become part of Thanksgiving and the unofficial start to the Christmas season. Here's a look back at moments from the iconic parade. Sources: Macys.com, Wikipedia

PHOTO: The balloon Snoopy floats above the street before the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010. less

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was started in 1924 as a Christmas parade by employees of the department store. Since then, it's become part of Thanksgiving and the unofficial start to the Christmas season. ... more

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was started in 1924 as a... Photo-456310.74752 - seattlepi.com

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Part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that officially brings Santa Claus into New York City is seen circa 1929. The Fish Balloon is 35 feet long, while the Tiger Balloon is 60 feet long. At the end of the parade, the balloons were released, with a $100 prize awarded for each one recovered and returned to Macy's. less

Part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that officially brings Santa Claus into New York City is seen circa 1929. The Fish Balloon is 35 feet long, while the Tiger Balloon is 60 feet long. At the end of the ... more

Photo: Underwood Archives, Getty Images

Part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that officially... Photo-5509126.74752 - seattlepi.com

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Workmen inflate a giant 45-foot Santa Claus with helium for the Macy's Parade, New York on Nov. 21, 1940. This annual procession is held every Thanksgiving by Macy's department store.

Workmen inflate a giant 45-foot Santa Claus with helium for the Macy's Parade, New York on Nov. 21, 1940. This annual procession is held every Thanksgiving by Macy's department store.

A parade float for the City Center Light Opera production of the musical "Brigadoon" is seen during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961.

A parade float for the City Center Light Opera production of the musical "Brigadoon" is seen during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961.

Photo: Archive Photos, Getty Images

A parade float for the City Center Light Opera production of the... Photo-5509111.74752 - seattlepi.com

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A female marching band is seen during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961.

A female marching band is seen during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961.

Photo: Archive Photos, Getty Images

A female marching band is seen during the Macy's Thanksgiving... Photo-5509114.74752 - seattlepi.com

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A parade float is seen during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961.

A parade float is seen during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961.

Photo: Archive Photos, Getty Images

A parade float is seen during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day... Photo-5509113.74752 - seattlepi.com

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A group of majorettes is seen marching toward Times Square during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961.

A group of majorettes is seen marching toward Times Square during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961.

Photo: William Lovelace, Getty Images

A group of majorettes is seen marching toward Times Square during... Photo-5509134.74752 - seattlepi.com

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Baseball manager Casey Stengel sits atop the "Meet The Mets" parade float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961. The New York Mets were founded in 1962, and this served as an introduction to the new team. less

Baseball manager Casey Stengel sits atop the "Meet The Mets" parade float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26, 1961. The New York Mets were founded in 1962, and this served as ... more

Announcer Joe Garagiola is seen during the 1970 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Announcer Joe Garagiola is seen during the 1970 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Photo: NBC, Getty Images

Announcer Joe Garagiola is seen during the 1970 Macy's... Photo-5509162.74752 - seattlepi.com

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The Snoopy balloon passes over the crowd during 1970 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Snoopy balloon passes over the crowd during 1970 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Photo: NBC, Getty Images

The Snoopy balloon passes over the crowd during 1970 Macy's... Photo-5509183.74752 - seattlepi.com

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A Brachiosaurus balloon floats high above the crowd during the 1974 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

A Brachiosaurus balloon floats high above the crowd during the 1974 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Photo: NBC, Getty Images

A Brachiosaurus balloon floats high above the crowd during the 1974... Photo-5509173.74752 - seattlepi.com

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Bullwinkle J. Moose makes his down the route during the 1975 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Bullwinkle made his parade debut in 1961.

Bullwinkle J. Moose makes his down the route during the 1975 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Bullwinkle made his parade debut in 1961.

Photo: Ernst Haas, Getty Images

Bullwinkle J. Moose makes his down the route during the 1975... Photo-5509198.74752 - seattlepi.com

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The Mickey Mouse balloon floats high over the crowd during the 1978 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mickey first appeared in the parade in 1934.

The Mickey Mouse balloon floats high over the crowd during the 1978 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mickey first appeared in the parade in 1934.

Photo: NBC, Getty Images

The Mickey Mouse balloon floats high over the crowd during the 1978... Photo-5509160.74752 - seattlepi.com

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Superman flies over the crowd during the 1981 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This third version of the Superman balloon, which debuted in 1980, was the largest balloon to appear in the parade at the time.

Superman flies over the crowd during the 1981 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This third version of the Superman balloon, which debuted in 1980, was the largest balloon to appear in the parade at the time.

Photo: NBC, Getty Images

Superman flies over the crowd during the 1981 Macy's... Photo-5509212.74752 - seattlepi.com

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A toy caterpillar float is seen during the 1981 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

A toy caterpillar float is seen during the 1981 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Photo: NBC, Getty Images

A toy caterpillar float is seen during the 1981 Macy's... Photo-5509135.74752 - seattlepi.com

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A float for the upcoming movie "Annie" is seen during the 1981 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

A float for the upcoming movie "Annie" is seen during the 1981 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Photo: NBC, Getty Images

A float for the upcoming movie "Annie" is seen during the... Photo-5509214.74752 - seattlepi.com

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The Linus the Lionhearted balloon passes the crowd during the 1982 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Linus made his parade debut in 1964.

The Linus the Lionhearted balloon passes the crowd during the 1982 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Linus made his parade debut in 1964.

Photo: NBC, Getty Images

The Linus the Lionhearted balloon passes the crowd during the 1982... Photo-5509158.74752 - seattlepi.com

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A float featuring Benjamin Franklin and George Washington passes by the crowd during the 1982 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

A float featuring Benjamin Franklin and George Washington passes by the crowd during the 1982 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.